Picote Solutions is an innovator and manufacturer of high-speed machinery, tools and methods for the cleaning and rehabilitation of small diameter pipelines from DN32 to DN300. Picote Aqua utilises the same tried and tested machinery and tools deployed at thousands of wastewater worksites around the world every day, for clean water applications.
High-Speed cleaning and descaling operations have become mainstream in wastewater applications over the last few years. Traditional mechanical cleaning equipment rotates at speeds of around 200 rpm, whereas high-speed cleaning machines start at 500 rpm and then increase to 1,500 to 2,900 rpm depending on the model. By opening these possibilities to the clean water sector, RSM is confident more can be achieved in much less time, not only reducing traffic disruption and carbon emissions, but enabling rehabilitation to tackle leakage targets.
Discussing the benefits of the technology, Phil Steel, Sales Director at RSM said: “Picote Aqua Millers have a small worksite footprint and can fit in any standard-sized work vehicle. They are less labour intensive than traditional methods, requiring fewer operatives. They can be operated dry without the need to use any water, however, the dust and debris arising from the cleaning process must be removed using either a vacuum, blower, plunger or a small amount of water. The rotating shaft is housed inside a plastic outer casing allowing the operator to safely hold the shaft during operation. As the outer casing does not rotate, the operator can attach a CCTV camera behind the cleaning head and monitor the entire process. A range of tools are available and attach to the end of the shaft to clean even hard tuberculate, including Chains, Drill Chains, Special Drill Heads, Smart Cutter™, Smart Spider and Smart Sweeper. These can also be nanocoated if required.”
The 110 V Aqua Midi Cleaner has a 10 mm diameter shaft and is suitable for cleaning DN50 to DN150 pipes. It features a 23 m range which can be extended by 10 m to 33 m overall. Next up, the 110 V Picote Aqua Maxi Miller offers the most versatility within the current offering, with a stronger 12 mm diameter shaft it is suitable for DN70 to DN250 pipes and has a 30 m range which can be expanded to 45 m with an extension shaft. Finally, the Picote Maxi Power+ is a 3-phase 400 V machine with an 18 mm diameter shaft, suitable for cleaning DN100 to DN300 pipes. This is the most powerful machine, and has a range of 18 m which can be extended to 49 m with extensions.
RSM Lining Supplies and Picote have expressed their commitment to the continued development of safe, reliable, cost-effective pipeline cleaning equipment that meets the operational and environmental challenges that network owners face in maintaining the supply of high-quality drinking water to their customers. An additional investment in demonstration equipment will allow RSM to demonstrate its capabilities to the clean water sector.
The two companies say they are incredibly excited at this new venture and believe that both their ethos align perfectly to offer a system and service to the clean water market that they believe has never been offered before.
